Qualcomm is bringing highspeed connections to entry level devices with its new Qualcomm 205 SoC. The mobile platform is aimed at emerging markets, where feature phones are still immensely popular.
This new SoC includes a 1.1GHz dual core processor, Adreno GPU, and a CAT-4 LTE modem. Qualcomm expects it to have download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Which we can honestly say sounds a like overkill for feature phones. Still, Qualcomm believes that this is the way to go with its new entry level chip.
Having 4G connections on the a feature phone will also allow consumers to take advantage of VoLTE. Provided that they have a telco that supports it. According to Qualcomm, this will also serve to improve on-demand content for video and music.
It might be a stretch to say that people on feature phones have been asking for this option. That said, it opens new ground for content streaming services to enter new markets and discover a new audience.
There are no devices using the Qualcomm 205 as of yet, and there’s no word if any major manufacturer will be picking it up. We don’t expect to see anything coming from the big names. Instead, this might appear in OEM devices for smaller markets that can’t always afford the shiniest devices.
[Source: Qualcomm]
